Germany
Curious and broadly skilled protein biochemist (PhD +9 years) with deep passion for the discovery and development of novel drugs and biotherapeutics. • Strong expertise in biochemistry including mechanistic enzymology, biochemical and cellular in vitro assays, protein engineering, recombinant protein production, and biophysical methods for protein characterization including structural analysis (X-ray crystallography, EM) of macromolecular protein complexes of the cellular protein quality control and the immune system. • Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to propose and implement new project ideas, and unique and effective solutions to complex problems. • Experience in immuno-oncology including vaccine development, antigen-presentation and TCR biology. • Effective team leader in a fast-paced matrix environment and well-respected collaborator on multidisciplinary projects with the ability to clearly communicate complex data and concepts.
Initiated and built the biochemistry function responsible for protein-based discovery and for biochemistry support of other functional groups at Neon Therapeutics. • Hired, managed and mentored a research group consisting of 8 FTEs (2 PhD scientists, 6 BS/MS associates), several contractors and co-op students. • Developed and managed the MHC class I and MHC class II tetramer technology platforms to directly and quantitatively evaluate T cell responses for all pre-clinical research programs and clinical trials. • Co-invented propriety immunoprecipitation technologies for mass spectrometry-based HLA-immuno- peptidomics and build cell culture platform to support MS-based antigen discovery efforts. • Collaborated closely with proteomics, molecular immunology and bioinformatics teams to develop proprietary algorithms (RECON) for neoantigen epitope prediction. • Invented and developed a protein-based subunit vaccine technology for personalized neoantigen-based cancer immunotherapy. Led a multidisciplinary project team to evaluate the immunogenicity and anti-tumor efficacy of this approach in pre-clinical mouse models. • Developed TCR reporter cell system for high-throughput assessment of TCR functionality and specificity. • Managed the development and execution of cell-based potency assays (SAR studies) to identify and optimize small-molecule immune modulators and vaccine adjuvants in collaboration with chemistry team.
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier Identification and characterization of novel control mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions. • Studied the regulatory degradation of ParA/B cell cycle partitioning factors by AAA+ Clp chaperone protease systems in the human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. • Managed all aspects of the lab relocation from HZI to MPIIB, planed and built the lab infrastructure for a group of ≈20 researchers. Worked with local authorities on genetic engineering and lab safety requirements.
Advisor: Prof. Bob T. Sauer Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, Structural Biology Biochemical and structural studies of protein homeostasis and protein degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system and the Cdc48/p97 AAA+ ATPase. • Discovered the Cdc48-20S proteasome (published in Science) and changed the scientific view on the origin and complexity of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. • Explored the mode of interaction and assembly of this multi-protein complex, unraveled its molecular mechanism of ATP-dependent protein unfolding and degradation, spearheaded a multidisciplinary research team to obtain the structure of Cdc48:20S proteasome by EM. •Deciphered the molecular effects of Cdc48 mutations associated with the human neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and inclusion body myopathies (IBM). • Collaborated in the discovery, rational design and enzymatic characterization of small molecule proteasome inhibitors selectively targeting the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis or human cancer cells.
Aviser: Prof. Dr. Alan G. Hinnebusch Cell Biology and Yeast genetics Yeast genetic and cell biological studies on the metabolic regulation of mRNA translation. • Implemented a genetic screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to select for mutations in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B that impair binding and activation of eIF2.
Adviser: Prof. Dr. Julian C. H. Chen Biochemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Structural Biology • Worked on soluble chaperones and membrane transporters involved in copper homeostasis in E. coli. • Optimized expression, solubilization and purification strategies for CusA, CusC and CusF.